Big gamble, especially if the net gain on the compound interest is rising on your 401 faster than your loses and if your company is matching your 401 as well. If your not missing the money, then leave it in there. Everyone jumps at the quick downturn of the stock markets, but if you have a good program to look at your 401 then you will see that over time the compound will build more than what you are putting in per month at a steady rate instead of sharp drops. A better option would be to invest in a good growth mutual fund (american funds) that have been around for years that yeild at least 12% or better. A lot of people say they can't find them, but they are out there. I have one that is 16% gain right now.